Moving to Denver...can the Yaris handle it?

[mikey4226]

I'm going to be moving from Chicago to Denver next month and I'll be commuting from Denver to Castle Rock about 45 mins south of Denver down I-25. I have a friend in Denver and he says that on days of heavier snow, he has seen smaller cars have trouble driving on I-25 because of the large hills. Coming from Chicago, I am familiar with snow driving, but the city is usually pretty good about paving the roads. Does anyone from the area have any input on how the Yaris holds up during the winter months in the Denver area? Do I need snow tires? Do I need to consider another car with AWD? Thanks!

[bronsin]

No you do NOT need an AWD.

Im a little shocked youre from Chicago and dont already have snow tires...

That would be my choice four of them on their own rims.

Good luck in Denver you have moved where the Gods live...

[Altitude]

Snow tires a must. I-25 can be VERY hazardous in bad weather - seriously. It can even be deadly in good weather when the wind kicks up. Fortunately, you won't get the worst of it between Denver and Castle rock - it's when you keep heading south that it gets more treacherous.

Drive slowly, watch out for idiots driving too fast and you should be OK

[403RS]

Snow tires, a good set of wiper blades, and a pair of gloves to throw in the tool kit are a must.

Only issue with winter driving is sometimes it's tricky to find the grooves.

[mryaris]

I live in Denver.....winters aren't too bad here. I have a set of dedicated snow tires mounted on a spare set of wheels and install them before a snow storm and remove them a few days later when it's all melted. It's a bit of a PITA, but the snows drop my mileage from the low 40's to the mid 30's, so it's worth the hassle to me.

If you can handle Chicago winters then Denver will be a piece of cake.

[mikey4226]

Awesome, thanks for the input everyone. Glad to hear the Yaris can hold it's own. Except for last year's blizzard, Chicago winter's haven't been terrible, so I've been able to manage without snow tires. As far as good snow tires go...any recommendations?